Our view: Schuster deserves re-election in Colchester

In Colchester’s three-way first selectman’s contest, we support the re-election of Republican incumbent Gregg Schuster.

In his two terms as first selectman, Schuster has been an effective leader, and clearly has a keen understanding of the community and the challenges it faces.

Although supportive of the much-needed major school renovations and finding a new home for the senior center, he opposed the proposed $57 million school/senior/community center project, which voters overwhelmingly defeated at referendum last month. Schuster felt the financial impact would be too much for taxpayers -- and taxpayers clearly agreed.

But he also recognizes the problems still exist and he’s working with the building committee and other groups in developing a more economically feasible plan to solve those problems.

Economic development has been his top priority since his election in 2009, and those efforts are now starting to pay off with new development on the south side of the town. Schuster is seeking a third term to capitalize on that success.

Democratic challenger Jim Ford, a two-term Board of Selectmen member, has a strong understanding of the issues and challenges the town faces, and would be an able administrator. He sees high taxes and a lack of transparency as the major issues, yet he supported the building project.

As for transparency, that appears to be more of an issue of management style than lack of openness.

Third party candidate Linda Hodge has also raised the transparency issue. A former first selectman, Hodge is running on the newly-created Colchester Independent Party label, offering residents a choice from the traditional party politics, but not the proven leadership or vision that Schuster and Ford are offering.

Schuster has not only demonstrated leadership but also the ability to get things done. He’s earned the opportunity to continue.